Couch to 5k Week 1 Day 3 February 20, 2009
Posted by dannicus in exercise, training.Tags: cardio, conditioning, endurance, running, weight loss
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So I had the day off from work today, my younger sister wanted to hit the mall to do some clothes shopping. I tagged along to check out some running shoes. I went into three stores. The Finish Line, Champs, and Footlocker. Footlocker was the only place that had someone come up to me and ask me if I wanted some help after staring at running shoes for 10 minutes, so I was happy there. The clerk pointed out some decent shoes, most of which topped over $120. A little out of my price range. Maybe if I can do this a couple weeks without any set backs I will allow myself to go after some shoes.
I just got back from run 3 for the week. I had picked up a new pair of shoes for around 30 bucks that felt the same to me as the running shoes I found, and wore them around all day. Tonight I went for my run, I felt really good. It could have been the shoes, it could have been the crisp air, it could have been the 3rd day and getting into a groove. But honestly, it’s probably the music selection. I was in a particularly patriotic mood today, I had been watching a documentary on the Military Channel about a Marine Company in Iraq. I found a gem of a CD on iTunes before I went out running today. It was a compilation of a bunch of running cadences for the Marines, Army, Rangers, SEALS, Air Force, and Navy. I had forgotten how easy it is to run when you do cadences. There’s something soothing when running while listening to a bunch of others stomp out the pavement along side you. Towards the end of my run today, I found myself singing along with the cadence, made the last 10 minutes bearable, if not enjoyable. I think I might be understanding this runner’s high thing I have heard about.
Good job on your new running program! My little sister just started C25K as well.
Regarding shoes, does your town have a specialty running store? If so, I recommend hitting them up for your new shoes instead of Footlocker. The staff at a specialty store is usually more knowledgeable about finding the best shoes for your feet, body, and gait. It is important to know whether your foot rolls in when you walk, rolls out, or has a neutral position. And flat feet need a different style than high arches. My favorite store actually lets me try out the shoes by running around the parking lot before making my decision. Some shoes that feel good when you first put them on turn out to slip and slide once the running starts.
Also, I’ve been running for a few years now, and not once have I ever spent over $100 on shoes! So cheaper possibilities than those $120+ options are out there. I know my male running partner usually spends quite a bit more, but I think he enjoys going overboard on his shoes, lol. But if you want to stay under a hundred bucks, it’s possible with a bit of research. Good luck!
I concur with melissaconrad on the price issue for shoes. I have been running for a few years as well. I spend between $60-$80 for a good pair of running shoes. Being a smaller guy with more narrow feet, Nike seems to do the best for me. I understand that, for larger guys, New Balance is the way to go. Remember to stretch after the running when you are warm. Gotta stay somewhat flexible for BJJ! When possible, run on grass or dirt. That will be easier on your knees. On big guys, the knees are the first to go if you’re not careful.
Good luck!